But none of the information GM turns over will be public any time soon. NHTSA said it will probably spend weeks going through the filings and removing any information that shouldn't be made public,such personal information about any of the crash victims.

At root of the recall is an ignition switch, installed in millions of cars between the 2003 and 2011 model years that could be accidentally turned off while the car was being driven -- disabling airbags, power steering and anti-lock brakes.

NHTSA set a Thursday deadline a month ago when it demanded answers to more than 100 questions. GM said Friday it answered nearly 65% of the agency's questions by that deadline. It said it is cooperating with the probe and that it will forward more information as it completes its own investigation.